If you’re searching for the best Korean barbecue in New York City, let me introduce you to my new obsession: HOWOO, located right in the heart of Koreatown in Midtown Manhattan. This upscale Korean BBQ restaurant is redefining what Korean barbecue can be—fusing premium cuts of beef with elegant presentation and thoughtful service that turns every bite into a moment.
The Ambiance: Chic, Elevated, and Welcoming
From the moment I walked in, I could tell HOWOO wasn’t your typical Korean BBQ spot. The space is massive—a 257-seat, bi-level restaurant with private dining rooms, intimate booths with built-in grills, and a sleek bar where you can even enjoy tabletop grilling for two. Everything from the traditional Giwa tile wall to the matte brass accents gives it a modern Korean aesthetic that feels upscale without being pretentious.
Why “HOWOO” Means More Than Just “Good Meat”
The name “HOWOO” actually translates to “Good Meat” in Korean, and let me tell you—it lives up to that name. But there’s more to it: it also refers to a “rain shower,” a nod to the sizzling sound of meat cooking on the grill. That sound becomes a kind of soundtrack to the experience—warm, familiar, and comforting.
The Star of the Show: A5 Wagyu & Prime Cuts
We went all-in on the Elite Package, a luxurious tasting experience perfect for groups or celebrations. This included:
- Miyazaki A5 Wagyu Filet Mignon
- Snow Marble Short Rib
- Miyazaki Citrus A5 Wagyu Striploin
- Marinated Diamond-Cut Short Rib (Galbi)
Each cut was grilled right at the table and served with individual trays of housemade sauces like 1,000-day-aged Sinan sea salt, anchovy ssamjang, and pickled Korean ramps from Ulleungdo. Everything was served at its optimal temperature, and the attention to detail was next level.
If you’re a fan of dry-aged ribeye, premium Korean short rib, or curious to try authentic wagyu beef in NYC, this place is your destination.
Appetizers That Surprised Me
To start, we ordered the Seafood Naeng-chae, a cold salad made with jellyfish, octopus, shrimp, lotus root, and cucumber—it was my first time trying jellyfish, and it was way more delicate and refreshing than I expected.
We also had the Yukhoe (Korean steak tartare) served with thinly sliced pear and a seaweed crisp. Beautifully plated and full of flavor.
Thoughtful Touches: From Banchan to Dessert
HOWOO doesn’t just serve food—they serve an experience. The meal is coursed out in a thoughtful progression, with three different rounds of banchan (traditional Korean side dishes) featuring housemade kimchi, pickled veggies, and egg soufflé.
The meal finishes with a small but memorable dessert: green tea soft serve made with green tea powder from Boseong—the perfect ending.
Drinks: Soju, Sool, and NA Options
HOWOO has an incredible drink program, from traditional Korean sool and soju to creative Korean-inspired cocktails. I loved seeing a strong non-alcoholic cocktail menu as well—options like a Ghia-based citrus mocktail and a barley tea blend were great alternatives for anyone skipping alcohol.
Why I’ll Be Back (and You Should Go Too)
HOWOO is a great spot for:
- Date night in NYC
- Celebrating a birthday or promotion
- Impressing out-of-town guests
- Or just treating yourself to something special
This is Korean BBQ at its most refined—thoughtful, flavorful, and genuinely memorable. I walked in excited for good meat, and walked out feeling like I experienced something really special.
📍HOWOO Korean BBQ NYC
7 E 31st St, New York, NY 10016
Located in Koreatown, Manhattan
Reservations available on Resy
Open Sunday–Thursday 5 PM – 11 PM
Friday–Saturday 5 PM – 12 AM
